Information Resource Guide

Legal Aid at Your Local Library

This information resource guide compiles reference sources found at the Wauconda Area
Library. The community that the library serves is predominantly middle class, and its collections
appeal to the vast audience. Wauconda sees many young people enter the library, and a
specific group that frequently utilizes resources are young people requiring legal assistance or
who are curious about legal sources the library has to offer. Wauconda sees many aspiring
lawyers, and those asking legal questions, and this resource guide includes some of the most
helpful legal sources that can be found in Wauconda, as well as useful tools for the young
scholar preparing for law school.

Bibliography
Health Sciences Center Library, University of Florida, Law Libguides , 2014-present.
http://guides.law.ufl.edu/?b=g&d=a

Libguides are resources frequently utilized by libraries as an effective way to organize and
manage various content. These Law Libguides provide links to useful legal research resources
as well as a variety of publications. Topics range from different types of law to career options to
guides for first year law students. The guides are easily navigable and can be sorted
alphabetically, by group, by subject, by type, or by owner. Users simply need to click on the
guide of interest and will be directed to numerous resources related to that topic. While much of
the sources are targeted specifically for law students, there are some guides devoted to non-law
students conducting legal research. This is a simple way for anyone to perform efficient legal
research or locate resources of interest. The Libguides are available via a weblink in the
Wauconda Area Library catalog. Patron access is not required to utilize this website.

Encyclopedia
Gale Research Inc, Gale Encyclopedia of American Law, 3rd Edition, 2011.
Targeted at laypersons and law students, this 14 volume encyclopedia set consists of updated
information on 5,000 legal topics. With legal terms and concepts explained in everyday
language, these encyclopedias cover topics ranging from people and events who have
influenced the United States legal system. This resource is useful in helping everyday people
better understand legal circumstances and the judicial system. Law students may find value in
its explanation of numerous important cases and the people involved. Each volume contains a
case index and a general index, as well as bibliographic references and a glossary, for ease in
finding information. Images and other visual aids are scattered throughout to further enhance the
text. These volumes are found on the 3rd floor of a neighboring library and can be shipped to the
reference department overnight.

Ready Reference
Legal Forms
https://www.wauclib.org/collection/research/legal
This resource compiles a list of legal forms, along with a brief description and means of
downloading. Perfect for anybody looking for quick legal assistance, the forms include topics
such as divorce, wills and estates, and bankruptcy. The website also includes a list of attorneys
by state and a Q&A forum where people can pose legal inquiries that require a simple answer.
The source provides efficient navigation as well as a way to search for any form desired. This
website can be accessed by clicking the research link on the library website and scrolling down
to the legal tab. Since it is a subscription the library provides, patrons will need to enter their
library card in order to access.

Dictionary
Merriam-Webster, Inc, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law: revised and updated guide to the
language of the law, 2016.

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law defines 10,000 legal words and phrases using common
terminology, making it an appropriate dictionary for non-legal professionals or law students.
Topics covered include the judicial system, important cases, and the Constitution of the United
States. It may be helpful to those curious to fully understand certain legal terms when
performing an important tasks, such as signing an apartment lease. The newly revised
dictionary includes definitions for current topics, such as civil unions and cyber insurance. The
vast array of topics makes this dictionary an appealing choice for anyone searching for some
legal guidance and information. This resource can be requested at the reference desk via
interlibrary loan.

Full-Text Database
LexisNexis Library Express

This database includes full text law reviews, along with federal and state cases and codes. The
stories are updated frequently, sometimes daily, in order to guarantee users are receiving the
most up-to-date information. The database is searchable via categories that allow the user to
input keywords in order to generate the most useful information. Results are able to be filtered
based on category and publication. Articles are able to be downloaded at the patron’s request.
Written mainly by law students or legal professionals, those utilizing this resource will know they
are receiving accurate and current information regarding all legal inquiries and curiosities. The
website can be found under database research, and the user will have to input their library card
number in order to gain access.

Health, Law, or Business

Smartpros, Smartpros Business Law and Ethics Collection, 2016.
https://wauconda.kanopy.com/category/supplier/watchit
Kanopy is a web-based resource that Wauconda Area Library uses to provide digital content.
Available on Kanopy through the library website, the Business Law and Ethics Collection is a
streaming video file covering business law and ethics. When dealing with legal matters, ethics is
essential and something that young people should consider when studying legal subjects. The
catalog provides a web link that directs users to the videos on business law. An online account
with the library is required to view content as the website asks for login information.

Geography, Countries, Travel

Owens, Eric; Adams, Jennifer; Kornstein, Andrea; and Princeton Review members, The best
173 law schools , Penguin Random House, 2016.
Targeted mainly for aspiring law students, this book surveys nearly 20,000 students to gather
information on the top law schools around the world, covering 40 states and 20 countries. This
book travels the globe to bring knowledge about the best and most prestigious law schools in
existence. Throughout the book, top law schools are profiled, and statistical information is
included. The book also comprises various quotes from students, as well as ranking lists and
career information. Relevant information about each university, including its admission
guidelines, is also addressed in the book. It is available on the second floor of the library, in the
nonfiction section.

Biographical Resources
Attorney Directory
This resource provides a directory of attorneys in all 50 states and Washington DC, and
includes brief biographical information about attorneys and law firms. The website allows the
user to select the desired state and then select the practice area that is of interest. It will then
pull up a list of all attorneys that specialize in that area, along with their locations. This source
provides a quick and efficient way to browse through dozens of lawyers, and receive abrupt
descriptions on lawyers and law firms. This website is available in the research section of the
library website. A library card number is needed to access information.

Government Information Source

Illinois Compiled Statutes
https://www.wauclib.org/collection/research/legal

This database provides codified statutes of a general and permanent nature of Illinois.
Constantly updated, users are able to simply click on the subject of interest in order to view the
statutes. The website is sorted by general categories that become more specific once they are
clicked. A keyword search is provided for easier navigation purposes. This resource is useful
for those who are interested the most up-to-date changes in law. The website can be found
under the legal research database on the library website, and the user needs to enter their
library card number to gain access.